I just wanted to quickly write up a little piece having seen ‘Thrill Me’ at the Actors Centre on Tuesday 5th April 2011. As you all know, Rachel’s husband Guy Retallack directed this show and it had its opening night on Tuesday. I wasn’t really sure what to expect. When I last saw Rachel she had asked me to go as a favour to help support Guy and new musical theatre. I’d already been thinking about it to be honest and when I found out that tickets were only £13-15 it seemed a bit of a no-brainer!
Described as a “Musical thriller”, ‘Thrill Me’ does just that. Right from the outset, this musical is incredibly dark and sinister. One very talented pianist and two incredible voices beautifully provide the chilling soundtrack. George Maguire and Jye Frasca (both West End stars) play the only two characters in the show – Richard Loeb and Nathan Leopold, and do an absolutely sensational job from start to finish! Their voices perfectly compliment each other and carry around the small and intricate settings of the Tristan Bates Theatre.
And it’s not just the very talented pianist and actors that make this production so extraordinary – the lighting and sound technicians deserve a special mention as well and the combination of each element culminates into a stunning and perfectly unique piece of musical theatre. Intricately directed by Guy, ‘Thrill Me’ really was an absolute privilege to go and watch. I know it's sometimes a lot more tempting to go and see a hugely successful West End show such as 'Wicked' whilst in London, but I really strongly urge you to go and check out 'Thrill Me'. New musical theatre deserves our appreciation as there are so many talented people just waiting for their chance to get a foot in the door. It's not all about the big money-making shows but about the smaller shows too, set in small theatres and seating less than 50 people at a time but nevertheless producing a very enjoyable evening of extremely high quality entertainment.
I can't emphasise enough just how much I enjoyed this show and how much I would reccommend it to anyone looking for an edgy new musical with something slightly different to offer. That is totally compelling, interesting, haunting and gripping. A little off-West End gem that is DEFINITELY worth a visit!
P.S Just in case anyone needed further persuasion... Jye Frasca and George Maguire are GORGEOUS!
7 comments:
Thanks Rosie, excellent review as always.
I would have loved to have seen this show myself but it's not easy or cheap for me to make regular trips to London so I doubt I'll get the chance.
Thanks Andy! Yeah i know, i definitely have a geographical advantage when it comes to seeing shows! But it really was so great and i wanted to share it.
It would mean a lot to Guy and Rachel if we could get as many tickets sold as possible!
I totally agree with eveything you said about Thrill Me.. I was lucky enough to see it last night. It really is a very special piece of theatre and Jye Frasca and George Maguire are really quite brilliant. I hope the play is the huge success it deserves to be
Is this a review or a puff for your friend's husband's work? You don't explain what the show is about or how it's good.
Complement, not compliment, by the way - and are two young actors who've been understudies in Jersey Boys etc really 'West End Stars'?
Oh dear Anonymous, I seem to have rattled your cage a little bit here.
Firstly, it's whatever you want it to be. I thought I'd made my reason for writing it perfectly clear - I wanted to try and drum up support for a small production with a very short run. I know it means a lot to both Rachel and Guy to get this show seen by as many people as possible and I was just trying to help. If you were after a review (by someone paid to go to shows and review them) then you're definitely on the wrong site.
Thanks again for the spelling correction. I'll change it when I can be bothered.
Jye Frasca has been in West Side Story, Mamma Mia, Cats, Anything Goes, We Will Rock You, Wicked and Jersey Boys. George Maguire has been in Oliver and Fame. Therefore I think that yes, that does qualify them as 'West End Stars'.
Anyway, I wasn't entirely sure I was asking for a critique on this post but thanks anyway for taking the time to give me one.
Good comment(s) Rosie, thanks so much! Saw this show tonight. Truely an exceptinal experience, very touching. Great cast, songs and pianist. Highly recommended!!
Haha thanks! And brilliant that you went to see it - it's just been given so many good five and four star reviews as well! So glad you enjoyed it!
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